This past week has been a real change, but great for me. Unfortunately, my teacher had to leave for a week. A substitute was hired for the week to help me with the class. He turned out to be so flexible and supportive. We had a great week. We ended up co-teaching the whole week, and I felt like I was actually taking charge of the classroom. Unlike normal days, I was depended on to take charge of everything, such as little duties like attendance. I loved being able to tweak things to fit my style of teaching. It also showed me how flexible I could be. I used to think this was one of my biggest weaknesses, but I think teaching full-time as an intern has really taught me how to roll with the punches, and take things as they come. Of course, I have a lot more growing to do, but I can already see my progression. In addition, we have several instances with a child in my class. I have spent a lot of time with this child since he is our lowest, and in unfortunate to have a horrible home life. These situations at home brought him to school on Monday, discouraged and unfocused. This type of attitude seemed to progress through the week, and it took a lot of prompting, positive reinforcement, and patience to deal with it. However, any difference I can make in this child's life means that I am doing my job. I took the child aside and asked him if he liked to write in journals. I was hoping that I would be able to give him an outlet during tough times at home. He seemed very excited when I told him about these little four leaf clover journals I made for my fifth graders last semester. He said he would love to have one, and I explained that journals can help us get out feelings when we are upset or angry with people. I really hope that this will be some kind of outlet and support for him during difficulties at home.
This past week has been a real change, but great for me. Unfortunately, my teacher had to leave for a week. A substitute was hired for the week to help me with the class. He turned out to be so flexible and supportive. We had a great week. We ended up co-teaching the whole week, and I felt like I was actually taking charge of the classroom. Unlike normal days, I was depended on to take charge of everything, such as little duties like attendance. I loved being able to tweak things to fit my style of teaching. It also showed me how flexible I could be. I used to think this was one of my biggest weaknesses, but I think teaching full-time as an intern has really taught me how to roll with the punches, and take things as they come. Of course, I have a lot more growing to do, but I can already see my progression.
ReplyDeleteIn addition, we have several instances with a child in my class. I have spent a lot of time with this child since he is our lowest, and in unfortunate to have a horrible home life. These situations at home brought him to school on Monday, discouraged and unfocused. This type of attitude seemed to progress through the week, and it took a lot of prompting, positive reinforcement, and patience to deal with it. However, any difference I can make in this child's life means that I am doing my job. I took the child aside and asked him if he liked to write in journals. I was hoping that I would be able to give him an outlet during tough times at home. He seemed very excited when I told him about these little four leaf clover journals I made for my fifth graders last semester. He said he would love to have one, and I explained that journals can help us get out feelings when we are upset or angry with people. I really hope that this will be some kind of outlet and support for him during difficulties at home.